4.5 stars

The world, characters, and mythology of this world is so lush. It was a joy to return to this world after Empire of Sand was one of my favorite books from last year. This takes place 10 or so years after the events of the first book and follows Mehr's younger sister, who is now an adult herself and facing the consequences of the events of the first book. Arwa is a very different character than Mehr. While Mehr always embraced her heritage, Arwa was shielded from it and taught to reject it. As such, her journey is one of discovery and acceptance.

Arwa's magic is one that ties more into death magic for this world, which was something different than the magic of the first book. Both women are fiercely powerful and determined. This book had slightly more political machinations, as it takes place in the Empire and the fallout of what happened there. Because of this, it moves slightly slower at times.

Arwa's relationship with Zahir is one built on trust and mutual respect. Something I love about this series is the emphasis on choice and bonds that both couples have in the books. Arwa and Zahir don't quite pull on my heart the way that Mehr and Amun do, but I love what they represent all the same.

This was very nearly 5 stars, but I didn't love it quite as much as Empire of Sand. It was still interesting to see how the world had changed since the first book, and I'd love if Tasha Suri returned to this world in the future as I feel she did leave herself room for more stories to tell.